5 Tips for Staying Healthy

The weather has been mild the past few weeks, although rainy at times. But we're in for another change in the system. Here's some tips to prepare for the weather change to help you stay healthy. 

1. Stay hydrated - whether its hot or cold, our body regulates itself like a machine. To oil your machine keep it well hydrated. This will help flush out toxins and absorb nutrients to stay healthy. 

2. Hygiene - cover your mouth and wash your hands. As we all know this is the easiest way to protect yourself. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water before eating or cooking, the hand sanitizer is not always the best answer. 

3. Eat well - a well balanced healthy meal will keep you fueled up and gives you the vitamins and nutrients your body needs.

4. Dress for success - the best thing to do for the changing weather is to dress in layers. Peel one off if too hot and put another one on when too cold. 

5. Be active - don't be a hermit and hibernate inside when its cold and wet. While rest is necessary to stay healthy, so is being active and getting fresh air. Get a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day. 

Following these tips and incorporating them into your routine will help you stay healthy and happy for the rest of Winter. 

Aging In Place

What does this mean? 

Aging in place is defined as the ability to live in one's home for as long as confidently and comfortably possible.

Your livability at home can increase when Universal Design principles are incorporated. Some of these may include assistive technologies, such as health and wellness monitoring, home safety and security.  

Some adaptations that are commonly used in Universal Design include, grab bars, light sensors, lever handle faucets and door handles, walk-in showers, comfort height toilets, and rocker light & dimmer switches. 

It is also important to make your home "visit-able" for those you plan to invite over and entertain. This means making the entry and first level as barrier-free and user friendly as possible. It's not just your relatives that may struggle to access the home, but a friend or neighbor whose been in an accident and is on crutches. 

Many of these concepts and details can be incorporated easily into any remodeling project. With a CAPS (certified aging in place specialist) on staff, we help our clients design these into their projects with minimal effort and cost implications. 

In fact, Joseph Irons was recently named to the national CAPS Board of Governors for NAHB in 2012 and will be helping steer national committees and education about these important design trends and principles. 

The aging in place population and/or the baby boomers are the largest generation living at home.

To learn more about aging in place projects and CAPS click here. 

• Saturday, May 19th, Rampathon. For more info visit rampathon.org 

The Latest Design & Product Trends   

Earlier this month, Joseph Irons attended the International Builders Show. The largest building industry event in the nation. He brought home several new ideas, products, and innovative trends that we would like to share with you. Some are fun, others more realistic. 

Joseph Irons 2012 "Best in Show"

1. Kohler's Numi Hi-Tech Toilet - this toilet goes over the top with features for the practical and impractical. Features include: a remote controlfor your programmed settings, i-pod integration (for long sittings), an auto opening feature for males, telescoping bidet spray, auto closing lid & seat, and a heated seat. This was definitely the most entertaining product featured this year. Check out the video below for more info. 

Kohler Numi High Tech Toilet

2. Smart phones are everywhere, so why not have an electrical outlet you can plug it into directly? Fastmac introduced the U-socket power outlet. Now you can eliminate the clutter of your AC chargers and plug in direct. It is also said to reduce energy costs too. Click here for more info. 

U-socket

3. Bathroom ventilation systems with a built-in humidity sensor. It automatically senses a humidity increase and turns the fan on. This is ideal for wet locations such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. This feature is especially helpful for those who ae forgetful in turning on the fan before and after their showers. Broan calls this their SensAire technology. Oh and it has a light too! Click here for more info. 

2012 "Trends of the Year"

• Function is in. There is a trend towards functional products and features in lieu of the grand. This means businesses are investing in function over fashion, since this is where the consumer is driving them. We are seeing this in our design/build projects as well. Streamlined and straight forward usually comes with a smaller price tag. 

• 2012 Color forecast is for subdued and somber colors. In fact, Sherwin Williams says this years colors are inspired by Mother Earth. Made up of mostly neutrals, reds, blues, and greens - i.e. Earth, grains, water, and foliage.
  

• Rebates are trendy. In an effort to save consumer's money, manufacturer rebates have increased in popularity by several vendors of energy efficient products. Its also smart marketing. 

We hope you found this information both informative and entertaining. It's amazing what's available to keep your home ... up with the Jones'. Although not all of these are practical for your home, it does open up your imagination and remind you that anything is possible when it comes to planning your own home remodeling project.   

As both the Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound and the Seattle PI reported, rental rates are on the rise in 2012. The rent prices for offices and home rentals is expected to continue to rise this year as demands increase. The lack of building construction, both commercial and residential has decreased the available spaces which has increased demand and put a strain on the price of openings.

The rental price rise may send some renters out to purchase new homes and offices as they are feeling cornered by the competitive rates. 

According to the consumer price index, rent rates have increased 2.5% over the past year. Meanwhile home prices have dropped. They are actually reporting that in 74% of the nation's cities, it is less expensive to own a home versus renting one. 

Thank you for reading this month's edition. I hope you especially liked the information I brought back from Orlando's International Builders Show. Please share this helpful and fun information with your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues.

I am looking forward to a wonderful Spring season this year. We are currently scheduling Spring home remodeling, contact us now so we can help you and provide expert advice and opinion on your project's feasibility and design. Have a great day!